Brilliant Stripes narrows the gap

by Ayrton Galea - 12th November 2012

Birkirkara produced a magnificent performance to defeat Mosta with a solitary goal and narrowed the gap with leaders Valletta to end the first round alone in the second place just two points behind the Citizens.

It was a penalty by Jhonnattann Benites early in the second half which paved the way to victory for ‘The Stripes'. They were rewarded for their maximum effort and hunger for the precious three points which gave a major boost to ‘The Stripes' clan.

With four key players missing, the match seemed to be an uphill struggle for ‘The Stripes' but this was not the case as Birkirkara were the most aggressive and disciplined side throughout the whole match, and it was a deserved win which earned them the precious points.

What most probably caught the eye of those present was the solid and concentrated Birkirkara's defence in the match as Mosta failed to create any danger. Led by the strong central defenders Nikola Vukanac and Alejandro Mendoza, patrolling the side backs were Zach Muscat and Joseph Zerafa. The Mosta forwards Obinna Obiefule, Daniel Bogdanovic, Ousseni Zongo and substitute Daniel Mitev were all kept at bay and remained frustrated.

The First Half

Birkirkara showed their hunger for goal right from the start. Just after two minutes, Ryan Camenzuli fired a brilliant uprising shot but an equally brilliant Justin Haber's save saw the ball punched over the bar for a corner kick.

Paul Fenech continued to pile on the pressure in the early stages as his powerful drive was saved by Haber on the 13th minute. Hardly a minute later, Haber had to be instrumental once again in blocking Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza's diagonal shot from the left.

Obinna Obiefule, who till then had hardly created any danger for ‘The Stripes' defence, had a header ending over on the 20th minute, following a freekick by Daniel Bogdanovic. Five minutes later, the Nigerian striker had a shot ending over.

All the positive and hard work by Birkirkara seemed to be trashed on the 27th minute as erratic passing gave the perfect opportunity to Mosta for a fast break-away. Obinna, who was the player creating most danger for the defence stole the ball off Rowen Muscat, advanced and served Daniel Bogdanovic whose shot was too weak to cause trouble for Reuben Gauci.

However, following that fine opportunity for Mosta, the match fell into a lull, with both sides failing to create any danger to entertain their respective supporters to end the first half with a goal-less draw.

The Second Half

For the second half, Mosta's Head Coach Mr. Steve D'Amato introduced Daniel Mitev off Carlos Campagnoli to give a fresh boost in the attacking department.

Birkirkara started the second half once again on a high tempo creating their first serious threat to the goal just after two minutes in the second half. Jhonnattann Benites created a real sense of danger in the Mosta's defence who went through the left wing before serving Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza who shot wide from close range.

However, sooner or later Mosta had to fall to the pressure created by Birkirkara and they did so on the 52nd minute when Onyil Chiemeka needlessly floored Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza in the box with referee Trustin Farrugia Cann pointing to the spot. From twelve yards out, Jhonnattann kept his cool as he converted and put Birkirkara deservingly in the lead.

Although Mosta desperately wanted to equalise as soon as possible, Birkirkara remained dangerous with their fast counter attacks mostly through Jhonnattann Benites and Haber was kept busy from time to time.

Birkirkara did not fall back as they continued with their attacking efforts. On the 58th minute, Rowen Muscat sent Mifsud Triganza through who tried his shot from the right which ended wide of Haber's right post.

Mosta lost a golden opportunity on the 69th minute when Ousseni Zongo made the impossible when he did not connect off an inviting pass from an ideal position by Obinna Obiefule who was sent through by Daniel Bogdanovic.

Steve D'Amato's side began to increase their confidence and on the 75th minute, Zongo advanced on the left side but Nikola Vukanac was sharp enough to eliminate the danger.

However on the 77th minute, Haber who till then had a perfect match almost committed a fatal mistake when off a short back pass, his desperate clearance hit Jhonnattann with the ball scratching past the post.

Justin Haber continued to shine and kept Mosta in the match as he produced two consecutive decisive saves on the 80th minute. A powerful volley by Jhonnattann was blocked by Haber and off the rebound Triganza tried his luack and it was Haber to prove his goalkeeping skills and kept the same score line.

With the time ticking away, eight minutes from time, Mr. Paul Zammit introduced David Spiteri instead of Ryan Scicluna, to leave less space in the midfield.

The three minutes added time seemed to be eternal for Birkirkara who were eagerly awaiting the final whistle.

In the second minute of added time, Antoine Borg who made his debut last week against Qormi replaced Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza who had kept the Mosta defenders busy throughout the match.

With the match in the dying seconds, Mosta almost notched the equaliser, when Steve Chiemeka made the best off Gauci's short clearance but Zach Muscat made a decisive clearance off the goal line.

The full time whistle saw a delighted Birkirkara deservingly taking the three points.

Justin Haber, the Mosta goalkeeper who denied Birkirkara for several times was voted as the man of the match.

BIRKIRKARA: Reuben Gauci, Zach Muscat, Nikola Vukanac, Alejandro Mendoza, Joseph Zerafa, Ryan Scicluna, Paul Fenech, Rowen Muscat, Ryan Camenzuli, Jhonnattann Benites, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

MOSTA: Justin Haber, Steve Bezzina, Alex Cini, Luke Dimech, Mano Micallef, Firas Aboulez, Onyii Chiemeka, Carlos Campagnoli, Daniel Bogdanovic, Ousseni Zongo, Obinna Obiefule

Scorers: 52' Jhonnattann Benites (Birkirkara)

Yellow Cards: Jhonnattann Benites, Ryan Scicluna (Birkirkara), Luke Dimech, Firas Aboulez, Onyii Chiemeka, Daniel Mitev (Mosta)

Man of the match: Justin Haber (Mosta)

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